Homemade Fly Traps for Farm Use

By Aaron Kopf

Farms are absolute havens for flies. Food sources abound, including animal feed, animal waste and compost heaps. While animals don't much mind the buzzing insects, they can be a real nuisance for those living inside the farmhouse. Commercial fly traps, like glue strips and foggers, will certainly do the trick but you can save a pocketful of money by using a few materials found around most farms. Make your own cheap, reusable fly traps.

Hanging Water Bags

Fill a gallon-sized freezer bag three-quarters full with tap water.

Poke a hole through the bag just below the center of the zipper seal, using a Phillips screwdriver.

Zip the seal closed and insert a length of string through the hole. Tie the string ends in a simple knot, creating a loop.

Hang the bag above a fly-ridden door. The water repels flies for reasons unknown. Some believe the sparkling ripples created by sunlight passing through the water may disorient flies or remind them of spider webs.

Make a hanging water bag above each entrance to the house.

Mason Jar Traps

Add several tablespoons of syrup and honey to a mason jar.

Screw the lid onto the jar.

Place the tip of your screwdriver on the lid and strike with the heel of your palm to drive the screwdriver through. Use this method to make several holes in the lid, big enough for flies.

Place the mason jar outside near large concentrations of flies. The flies will be drawn to the sweet smell, crawl through the holes and feast on the sugary food below. However, their joy will be short-lived as they will be unable to crawl back out, victims of their own appetites.

Remove the lid from your well-used mason jar traps and rinse out the dead flies and old syrup every few days. Add new syrup and replace the lid for a rejuvenated fly trap.

Sticky Fly Paper

Combine equal amounts of corn syrup and granulated syrup in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture becomes a sticky paste.

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About the Author

Aaron Kopf graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with honors in 2009, holding a Bachelor of Arts in communication. While enjoying his time at college, Kopf was published in The Echo and Vortex magazine.